LORD LANSDOWNE'S PESSIMISM

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 59, 3 December 1917, Page 5

LORD LANSDOWNE'S PESSIMISM

CONDEMNED BY MR, BONAR LAW

A NATIONAL MISFORTUNE

NO SECURITY IN PEACE NOW MUST SHOW GERMANS WAR DOES NOT FAY (Rec. December 2, 6 p.m.)

London, December 1,

At a' Unionist meeting, Mr. Bonar Law (Chancellor of the Exohequer) gave an exhaustive review of the situation. Ho said tho Marquis of Lansdowne had no official position in tho but spoke for himself ontirely. His views were not those of any of his colleagues, either in the Cabinet or outside. We wanted peace. It was horrible to look forwara to a continuation of the war, but .peace now would not give that security for which we entered the war. If the Germans realised that we could, go on longer than they, it might produce a change of feeling in Germany, resulting in one perhaps out of which peace would grow. The Government could not continue the -war unless it had the backing of the people. Ho believed the people wero behind the Government and would see it through. Ho absolutely disagreed with the arguments and tone of Lord Lansdowne's letter, which was nothing less than a national misfortune, and should not have been published now of all times.

Cermany's Signature Not Binding,

"The letter is based," said Mr. Bonar Law, "on the strange assumption that because Germany nays she is ready to participate in a pact of the nations and talks about disarmament, therefore pence is possible. Nobody pretends that Germany could be bound because she signed, a treaty. The whole world is against her to-day, but is unlikely to be again if we don't insist on rights now. How would wo fight her then? We have got to show the Germans, in the only way they can be made to realiso it, that war doesn't pay, that their military machine cannot get the desired result. This is only obtainable by victory.

Must Show Unshaken steadfastness. "If the letter stimulates pacifist influences in the Houso of Commons, so that the Government cannot rely on a vote for war measures, then we shall have only one alternative. The Government is powerless to win the war unless certain people support it. What would be the position of the Empire after a peace made on this basis, which would really 'be a defeat? Already the war has been protracted, causing suffering in every country, including the Dominions, but unless we see it through the unity of the which wa hoped would be solidified into a greater reality as a result of the war, would not continue. Steadiness is the one thing that can save us. Your duty is to Bet an example of unshaken steadfastness." The audience cheered and sang the Nathional Ajithem;

Resolution Sent to Paris conference. A strongly-worded resolution condemning the publication of fhe letter waß carried with enthusiasm and cabled to the Paris' Conference.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LORD LANSDOWNITINTERVIEWED THE LETTER WAS ENTIRELY HIS OWN. (Rec. December 2, 11.5 p.m.)

London, December 1. I The Marquis of Lansdowne, interviewed, said: "The letter ie entirely my own. I consulted no one and received no suggestions from anyone. I have nothing to add or retract."— United Service. STATEMENT BY JLORD" ROBERT CECIL NO MODIFICATION OF BRITAIN'S S \VAR POLICY. (Rec. December 2, 11.5 p.m.) London, December 1.

Lord Robert Cecil, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, interviewed, said: "Before publishing tho remarkable views regarding the means of ending the war, Lord Lansdowno did not consult any member of the Cabinet. He spoko for himself alone. The letter in no way reflects any modification of Britain's war policy, which may be summed up in M. Clemenceau's phrase, 'Our war aims are viotory.' Lord Lansdowne does not represent any important tody of thought."— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

WARNING FROM MR. CHAMBERLAIN AGAINST PEACEFUL PENETRATION. (Rec. December 2, 11.5 p.m.) London f December 1. Mr. Austen Chamberlain, speaking at Northampton, said that negotiations at this stage were impossible. Germany would always be one of the groat Powers. We were unablo and did not desire to annihilate her, but wo must not permit the peaceful penetration which was part of Germany's preparations for war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

; UNIONISTS HOSTILEJTO PROPOSAL ■ DIVERGENT VIEWS OF LIBERALS. 1 London, November 30. The Unionists are decidedly hostile to tho Marquis of Lansdowne's proposal. One described it as an act of treachery. A meeting of the leaders of tho party, including Sir Edward Carson, Mr. W. H. Long, and delegates from all parts of the country, strongly repudiated the letter. Many Liberals declare it to _ be worthy of tho traditions of British statesmanship. It corrects an error in our political compass. Lord Lansdowne is the first statesman to associate himself with President Wilson's democratic views.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. DISAPPROVAL OF U.S. ADMINISTRATION NO NEGOTIATION WITH PRESENT GERMAN GOVERNMENT. Washington, November 30. Tho Administration, while approving the re-statement ■of war aims, disagrees with Lord Lansdowne's apparent willingness to negotiate with the present German Government. President Wilson adheres to his attitude not to discuss peace terms except with a Government responsible to the Reichs-tag.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. LETTER CONDEMNED BY NEW YORK PAPERS OFFICIAL CIRCLES SUSPENDING JUDGMENT. (Rec. Dccembor 2, 11.5 p.m.) New York, December 1. Tho nowspapors practically unanimously condemn Lord Lansdowne, and i declares there is nothing new in. Lis , suggestions. President Wilson onunciatccl tho proposals much moro impres- , sively. Somo papers suspect ho fears ; tho democracy will spread, and all'cm- 1

pliasise tliat tho Allies can only deal I with a democratised Germany. ! Tho Now Y'brk "Times" Washington correspondent says: "Lord Lansdowne's i views liaro been calmly received in offi- ■ cial circles. The latter are Mispending i judgment until they ascertain the com- ; pellmg motives. Partisanship is subpected. It is pointed out that there is every indication of the United State whole-heartedly supporting Mr. Lloyd ; George."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. j New York, November 30. ; The Now York "Evening Telegram" ' in an editorial articlo says: "It is difficult to conceivo Lord Lansdowne as a German partisan; but ho appears in j that light. 110 reminds us of La Pol- j lette."—Aub.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. j [Senator La Follette is one of tho ! American legislators who is notorious for his opposition to war measures.] : DENOUNCED BY CANADIAN PRESS j AFFORDING ENCOURAGEMENT TO : GERMANY. ; Ottawa, November SO. The Canadian Press, with few ox- j ceptions, denounces Lord Lansdowne's ; lotter as being likely to afford the ; greatest encouragement to Germany. ; It is unthinkable that the freedom (d ; the seas shall be discussed at any time. > —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMANY j LETTER REGARDED AS SMI- j OFFICIAL FEELER. (Rec. December 2, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, November 30. ; The , German papors publish Lord i Lansdowne's letter on their front pages, 1 and consider it to be the beginning of : reasonableness in England. _ The letter has caused general satisfaction in Ger- ! many, where it is regarded as a somi- 1 official feeler. —Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. "A HOPEFUL MESSAGE." j (Reef December 2, 11.5 p.m.) j Amsterdam, December 1. • j The newspapers comment on Lord • Lansdowne's letter as a hopeful mes- ; sage that may lead to an early ending of "tho insanity of the continuous ' bloodshed. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.